North Korea’s History With Russia
Russia has a long history of contact with North Korea. Since the North Korea-China border divided the Korean peninsula in 1945, North Korea has been highly dependent on the support of both China and the Soviet Union, which is now Russia. The Korean War in the 1950s was partially instigated by Soviet and Chinese influence, with the aim of creating a unified socialist state. In the decades that followed, the two countries maintained close diplomatic, economic, and military ties.
North Korea’s geopolitical relationship with Russia remains largely unchanged. As the world’s largest remaining Communist country, North Korea has a strong interest in preserving its ties with the nation it sees as its closest ally. As such, it comes as no surprise that North Korea has remained relatively silent over Russia’s recent intervention in Ukraine.
North Korea’s Reactions To Russia’s Invasion
Though North Korea has not made any official statements regarding the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, a number of officials have voiced their support for Russia’s actions. In March 2014, the North Korean government issued a statement claiming that the crisis was a result of “the aggressive foreign policy of the United States” and that “the US and its Western allies are attempting to impose their will on Ukraine and the rest of the world.” The statement went on to praise Russia’s “peaceful approach to resolving the crisis.”
North Korea also condemned foreign sanctions imposed on Russia in response to its involvement, claiming that the sanctions showed “clear evidence of double standards in the world.” The country further argued that the sanctions revealed the “provocative and hostile nature” of US foreign policy, and that such measures were designed to “weaken Russia’s security and global standing.”
North Korean Attitudes Toward The International Community
North Korea’s reactions to the crisis in Ukraine are largely informed by its historically antagonistic attitude towards the West. North Korea has long viewed the UN and Western powers as enemies, viewing their efforts to impose sanctions and curtail the country’s nuclear program as hostile. As such, it is unsurprising that it has rushed to defend Russia in the face of international condemnation.
North Korea’s stance also reflects the country’s general distrust of the international community, which is a direct consequence of its Cold War history. In the past, North Korea has been openly dismissive of international opinion and has routinely denounced other countries’ attempts to interfere in its internal affairs.
Russia’s Influence On North Korea
Given its historical ties to Russia, it is highly likely that North Korea was influenced by the country’s actions in Ukraine. North Korea may have viewed Russia’s intervention as an example of a powerful nation standing up to the US and its Western allies, which could have encouraged the country to take an anti-Western stance of its own. Furthermore, North Korea may have appreciated Russia’s refusal to bow to international pressure, as its own track record of defiance has earned it few allies in the international community.
Russia’s involvement in the crisis may also have served to strengthen the already close ties between the two countries. North Korea may see Russia as a reliable ally in the face of international opposition, which could explain its vocal support for the country’s actions. Furthermore, the two countries are both members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional security alliance which may have influenced the two countries’ views of the crisis.
North Korea’s Strategic Interests In The Crisis
North Korea’s support for Russia could also be attributed to its own strategic interests in the region. North Korea is known to have a strong relationship with Ukraine’s neighbor, Belarus, and may view Russia’s intervention as a potential opportunity to further its geopolitical ambitions. Furthermore, North Korea may have sought to gain favor with Russia in order to benefit from the latter’s economic and political clout in the region.
In addition, it is possible that North Korea saw the crisis as a chance to draw attention away from its nuclear program and other international issues. By vocalizing its support for Russia’s actions, North Korea may have been attempting to distract from its own controversial actions and portray itself in a more favorable light.
What The Future Could Hold For North Korea
It is difficult to predict what role North Korea could play in the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, given its reluctance to make any definitive statements on the issue. However, given its historical ties to Russia, it is likely that North Korea will continue to express its vocal support for the country’s actions. Moreover, given North Korea’s strategic interests in the region, it may be possible that North Korea could seek to involve itself in the crisis by forging stronger economic and political ties with Russia.
Only time will tell what the future holds for North Korea’s role in the crisis. However, one thing is certain: North Korea will remain ever vigilant in protecting its interests in the region and its relationship with its closest ally.
How Might North Korea Benefit From Better Relations With Russia?
There is no doubt that North Korea’s relationship with Russia could be beneficial to the country. Russo-North Korean relations have long been established, with both countries sharing similar authoritarian rule structures, as well as shared regional, historic, and cultural ties. Indeed, Moscow and Pyongyang have a history of close relations, with Russia providing the North with economic, diplomatic and military support.
Improving North Korea’s relations with Russia could bring the country political and economic stability in areas such as trade and energy. Having a closer relationship with Russia could also offer North Korea more diplomatic clout, allowing the isolated nation to more easily maneuver in the international arena.
Furthermore, a closer partnership with Russia could provide access to investment and technology. Russia’s deep presence in various industries can give North Korea an edge against other world powers, such as the United States, Europe and Japan. With improved diplomatic relations and access to advanced technology, North Korea could improve its economic situation and work towards global acceptance.
How Can North Korea And Russia Strengthen Their Ties?
Improving North Korea and Russia’s already solid relationship is possible if both countries embrace cooperation and mutual respect. On a political level, both countries should advocate for mutual investments, as well as improved free trade, in order to increase economic trade between the two nations. They need to collaborate on regional and world issues, offering other nations a stable solution to volatile regional and international concerns.
Additionally, the two countries should engage in more cultural and educational exchanges, with North Korea’s talented students and researchers going to Russian universities and North Korea welcoming more Russian students for internships and learning programs. This will help foster closer ties between the two countries and further strengthen their bond.
Finally, North Korea and Russia need to continue their progress on nuclear disarmament, with both countries taking responsibility for their nuclear ambitions. This is essential for creating a stable peace in the region and ensuring their respective security.
